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From 4 to 360h of flexible workload

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AC Technician Course

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AC Technician Course

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AC Technician Course

Name: AC Technician Course
Price: 1794 ZAR

Get the hands-on technical knowledge you need to work on real AC systems — from basic refrigeration cycles to advanced inverter-driven equipment. This course covers diagnostics, installation, refrigerant handling, and preventive maintenance in a single comprehensive programme. Whether you are breaking into the trade or levelling up your skills, this is the training that gets you field-ready.

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What you will learn:

You will build a solid foundation in refrigeration theory, electrical fundamentals, and AC system components before moving into real-world diagnostics and repair procedures. You will learn how to read wiring diagrams, use manifold gauges and multimeters, and follow a structured troubleshooting process that saves time and prevents costly mistakes. The course covers full installation procedures, refrigerant recovery and charging methods, and seasonal preventive maintenance routines. You will also get into advanced systems, including heat pumps, mini-splits, VRF, and smart controls. By the end, you will have the technical knowledge and practical skills to handle residential and light commercial AC work with confidence.

How you study in practice AC Technician Course

How you practise AC Technician Course

For companies looking to train their teams

With Elevify for businesses, the course includes exercises and examples tailored to your company and its specific needs.

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Course content

8 Chapters • 40 LessonsDuration between 4 and 360 hours (you decide)

Chapter 1See details

Fundamentals of Refrigeration and HVAC

Lesson 1 • Industry Safety and Regulatory Basics
Introduces personal protective equipment, electrical safety, and refrigerant handling regulations. Establishes non-negotiable safety habits before hands-on work begins.
Lesson 2 • Refrigerants: Types and Properties
Surveys common refrigerant classifications, global warming potential, and safe handling requirements. Prepares technicians for compliant refrigerant management.
Lesson 3 • The Refrigeration Cycle Explained
Traces refrigerant through compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation stages. Links each stage to measurable pressure and temperature changes.
Lesson 4 • Core System Components Overview
Identifies compressors, condensers, evaporators, and metering devices. Explains each component's role in maintaining the refrigeration cycle.
Lesson 5 • Basic Thermodynamics for Technicians
Covers heat, temperature, pressure, and energy transfer concepts. Provides the physical science foundation required for all refrigeration and AC diagnostics.

Chapter 2See details

Electrical Fundamentals for AC Systems

Lesson 1 • Electrical Components in AC Units
Covers contactors, capacitors, relays, transformers, and motors. Explains how each component functions within the control and power circuits.
Lesson 2 • Reading Wiring Diagrams and Schematics
Teaches ladder diagrams, pictorial schematics, and component symbols used in AC equipment. Enables technicians to trace circuits before touching live components.
Lesson 3 • Electrical Fault Diagnosis Techniques
Applies systematic troubleshooting logic to open circuits, shorts, and grounds. Builds diagnostic confidence before learners encounter real equipment failures.
Lesson 4 • Voltage, Current, and Resistance
Explains Ohm's Law and power calculations in practical AC system contexts. Connects electrical theory directly to component load and circuit behaviour.
Lesson 5 • Using Multimeters and Clamp Meters
Provides hands-on measurement techniques for voltage, resistance, and current. Accurate meter use is essential for diagnosing electrical faults safely.

Chapter 3See details

AC System Components and Operation

Lesson 1 • Compressor Types and Operation
Details reciprocating, scroll, rotary, and inverter compressors. Explains operational differences that affect diagnosis, replacement, and efficiency ratings.
Lesson 2 • Split System Architecture
Examines indoor and outdoor unit layout, refrigerant line sets, and airflow paths. Understanding split system design is prerequisite for installation and service work.
Lesson 3 • Packaged and Window Unit Systems
Contrasts self-contained packaged units and window ACs with split systems. Highlights unique service access points and common failure modes for each type.
Lesson 4 • Metering Devices and Refrigerant Control
Covers TXVs, fixed orifices, and electronic expansion valves in detail. Proper metering device selection and adjustment directly impacts system efficiency.
Lesson 5 • Control Systems and Thermostats
Explains thermostat wiring, staging, and smart control integration. Control system knowledge enables accurate diagnosis of comfort complaints and short cycling.

Chapter 4See details

AC Installation Procedures

Lesson 1 • System Startup and Commissioning
Guides technicians through first-start checks, performance verification, and customer handoff. Commissioning confirms the installation meets design specifications before leaving the site.
Lesson 2 • Pre-Installation Planning and Load Calculation
Teaches Manual J load calculation principles and equipment sizing. Correct sizing prevents comfort complaints, high energy bills, and premature equipment failure.
Lesson 3 • Mounting and Positioning Equipment
Covers indoor unit mounting, outdoor pad placement, and clearance requirements. Proper positioning ensures airflow, drainage, and serviceability throughout equipment life.
Lesson 4 • Electrical Wiring and Connections
Covers disconnect installation, wire sizing, and low-voltage thermostat wiring. Correct electrical installation prevents tripped breakers, equipment damage, and fire hazards.
Lesson 5 • Line Set Installation and Brazing
Details copper line set sizing, bending, insulation, and brazing with nitrogen purge. Quality brazing joints prevent leaks and ensure long-term system reliability.

Chapter 5See details

Refrigerant Handling and Charging

Lesson 1 • System Evacuation and Dehydration
Explains deep vacuum procedures, micron gauge use, and moisture removal. Thorough evacuation prevents acid formation and compressor failure after service.
Lesson 2 • Refrigerant Recovery Procedures
Covers push-pull recovery, recovery machine operation, and regulatory compliance. Proper recovery prevents environmental violations and protects technician certification.
Lesson 3 • Charging Methods and Techniques
Covers weighing-in, superheat, subcooling, and sight glass charging methods. Correct charge amount is critical to efficiency, capacity, and equipment longevity.
Lesson 4 • Manifold Gauge Set Mastery
Teaches gauge set connection, reading, and interpretation for both high and low sides. Accurate gauge use is the foundation of all refrigerant service tasks.
Lesson 5 • Leak Detection and Repair
Introduces electronic leak detectors, UV dye, and nitrogen pressure testing. Finding and fixing leaks before recharging prevents repeat service calls.

Chapter 6See details

Systematic Troubleshooting and Diagnostics

Lesson 1 • Diagnostic Methodology and Workflow
Introduces symptom-based diagnostic trees and the five-step troubleshooting process. A repeatable workflow reduces diagnostic time and prevents unnecessary part replacement.
Lesson 2 • Compressor Failure Analysis
Teaches electrical and mechanical compressor testing and failure cause identification. Replacing a compressor without finding the root cause leads to repeat failure.
Lesson 3 • Electrical and Control System Faults
Covers failed capacitors, contactors, control boards, and thermostat wiring errors. Electrical faults are the most common service call type and require systematic testing.
Lesson 4 • Diagnosing Refrigerant System Faults
Maps abnormal gauge readings, temperatures, and superheat values to specific faults. Accurate refrigerant diagnosis prevents mischarging and repeat compressor failures.
Lesson 5 • Airflow and Duct System Problems
Identifies dirty filters, blocked coils, duct leaks, and blower failures as airflow causes. Poor airflow causes comfort complaints and can damage compressors through low suction pressure.

Chapter 7See details

Preventive Maintenance and Service

Lesson 1 • Coil Cleaning and Care
Covers condenser and evaporator coil cleaning chemicals, techniques, and safety. Clean coils restore system efficiency and prevent acid damage to aluminium fins.
Lesson 2 • Lubrication and Mechanical Inspection
Covers motor lubrication, belt tension, and bearing inspection on applicable equipment. Mechanical wear is a leading cause of preventable motor and blower failures.
Lesson 3 • Drain System Maintenance
Explains condensate drain flushing, trap inspection, and overflow prevention. Blocked drains cause water damage and mould growth, generating costly callbacks.
Lesson 4 • Service Documentation and Reporting
Teaches accurate service ticket writing, equipment history logging, and maintenance reports. Proper documentation protects technicians legally and supports warranty claims.
Lesson 5 • Seasonal Maintenance Procedures
Details cooling season startup and shutdown checklists for residential and light commercial units. Seasonal PM is the primary revenue service and builds long-term customer relationships.

Chapter 8See details

Advanced Systems and Emerging Technologies

Lesson 1 • Heat Pump Operation and Service
Details reversing valve operation, defrost cycles, and heat pump efficiency ratings. Heat pumps are now the dominant replacement technology in many climate zones.
Lesson 2 • Variable Refrigerant Flow Systems
Explains VRF system design, branch controllers, and simultaneous heating and cooling. VRF systems require advanced refrigerant and controls knowledge to service correctly.
Lesson 3 • Smart Controls and Building Automation
Introduces BAS integration, demand response, and IoT-connected AC equipment. Smart system knowledge positions technicians for commercial and premium residential markets.
Lesson 4 • Mini-Split and Multi-Split Systems
Covers ductless mini-split installation, commissioning, and fault diagnosis. Mini-splits represent the fastest-growing residential and light commercial AC segment.
Lesson 5 • Inverter and Variable Speed Technology
Explains inverter drive operation, DC motor control, and variable capacity benefits. Inverter systems require different diagnostic approaches than fixed-speed equipment.

Certification

Your valid completion certificate

This course is for you:

Aspiring HVAC technicians: ready to enter the trade with real technical skills.
Handymen and maintenance workers: wanting to expand into AC service and repair.
Career changers: seeking a stable, in-demand skilled trade with strong earning potential.
Entry-level HVAC helpers: looking to move beyond assisting and work independently.
Facilities maintenance staff: responsible for building comfort systems needing deeper AC knowledge.
Military veterans transitioning: bringing discipline and mechanical aptitude into the HVAC trade.

What our students say

Feedback from those who have already studied with us:

Your lessons are perfect. I purchased the one-year package and finally have the opportunity to follow various topics of interest without needing to change platforms... I'm grateful for everything you do, I've already recommended you to other people...